Ruto appoints tree-hugging record holder Truphena Muthoni tree planting ambassador

President William Ruto has hosted 22-year-old climate activist Truphena Muthoni at State House, Nairobi, following her remarkable achievement of breaking the 72-hour tree-hugging world record.

In recognition of her courage, resilience and leadership in championing environmental stewardship, Ruto appointed Muthoni as an ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship national initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and securing Kenya’s environmental future.

The campaign is a central pillar of the government’s climate action agenda, targeting massive tree cover expansion across the country.

“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal,” Ruto announced.

Ruto praised the young activist for using innovative and symbolic action to rally Kenyans around environmental protection.

In further appreciation of her inspiring efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) extended a fully sponsored holiday experience to Muthoni and her team, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of the endurance challenge.

Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry committed to supporting the realisation of her long-held dream to visit Brazil, a move expected to broaden her exposure to global conservation initiatives and strengthen her environmental leadership.

During a light-hearted exchange captured in a video shared online, Muthoni cheekily asked the President how long he thought he could hug a tree.

“I hugged a tree for 72 hours, how long can you go?” she asked. President Ruto, drawing laughter, declined to give a definitive answer. “My dear, I do many things, but I do not want to try that one,” he said. “That one I leave it to you. My job will be to cheer you on.”

Despite the humour, the President used the moment to encourage Muthoni to continue pushing boundaries in environmental advocacy.

“Break records and support us on matters environment and all the good things that you are doing,” he urged, wishing her well in her future endeavours.

Muthoni’s latest achievement builds on her earlier 48-hour tree-hugging record, which she has now extended to an unprecedented 72 hours.

Her feat involved continuously embracing an indigenous tree, a symbolic act aimed at raising awareness about climate change, environmental degradation and mental health.

In a statement released later, Ruto described Muthoni as “an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.

He noted that her action was not only physically demanding but also deeply symbolic, resonating with both national and global audiences concerned about the climate crisis.

Although her initial plans to attempt the record in Brazil fell through due to a lack of institutional support, Muthoni remained undeterred.

She successfully completed the challenge in Nyeri County, where she braved heavy rains while hugging a tree outside the county governor’s office.